A Travel Price Comparison for Utah Bryce Canyon National Park vs. Salt Lake City for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bryce Canyon National Park and Salt Lake City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking, spectacular, and other-worldly park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Bryce Canyon National Park and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Bryce Canyon National Park and Salt Lake City are both popular with visitors, Salt Lake City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salt Lake City is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is known for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Salt Lake City is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also home to Temple Square.

How is Bryce Canyon National Park different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City and Bryce Canyon National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a great city for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.

Is the Food Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salt Lake City is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Salt Lake City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Bryce Canyon National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Salt Lake City is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Salt Lake City doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Bryce Canyon National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Bryce Canyon National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Salt Lake City. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bryce Canyon National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bryce Canyon National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Salt Lake City is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Salt Lake City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.

Is Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Bryce Canyon National Park and Salt Lake City are decent when it comes to walkability.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not a very walkable park. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Bryce Canyon National Park?

How long in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bryce Canyon National Park and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bryce Canyon National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

Families should spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Salt Lake City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bryce Canyon National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City than Bryce Canyon National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Salt Lake City.

One day in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

In Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the museums and food that this notable destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bryce Canyon National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting Salt Lake City. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Bryce Canyon National Park or Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the park of Bryce Canyon National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Salt Lake City. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bryce Canyon National Park and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City is more expensive. And not only is Bryce Canyon National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bryce Canyon National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bryce Canyon National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City than you might in Bryce Canyon National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.